The Buffalo Bills are coming off a huge comeback win against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Wild Card Weekend, but not all their players made it to the field.
Their first-round cornerback, Maxwell Hairston, suffered an ankle injury in Week 18 against the Jets, and was unavailable for the playoff matchup. He was not the only player under contract who didn't make it.
Cornerback Darius Slay, who failed to report to the team following the Bills' waiver claim for him in December, was in Philadelphia rooting for his old team, the Eagles, as they host the San Francisco 49ers.
Darius Slay — who is technically on the Bills, who are playing right now — is in Philadelphia today to watch the Eagles.pic.twitter.com/AJzTLUNt9V
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 11, 2026
Darius Slay ignored Bills' claim, stays cozy with Eagles
When Darius Slay asked the Pittsburgh Steelers for a release earlier this season, it was under the guise of a shrinking role and the need to find playing time for a contender elsewhere. The Steelers obliged. True to his request, the Buffalo Bills claimed him on waivers. The problem was that when Slay asked for a release, he didn't actually want to go to any contender, but a specific one.
The Philadelphia Eagles released Slay in March 2025, after winning a Super Bowl together. He went to Pittsburgh expecting a big opportunity, but lost his role to the incoming Asante Samuel, Jr. Slay wanted to return to Philly, and opted to instead play nowhere when he couldn't. He mulled retirement and stayed where his heart was, on the sidelines in Philly.
Tre'Davious White stepped up for Bills' defense in playoff win
His opportunity to play a major role existed in Buffalo. Slay could have been the starter against Jacksonville on Sunday, but he chose not to report to the Bills' facility in December. With Maxwell Hairston out Sunday, Darius Slay would have been the likely CB2.
Instead, Tre'Davious White became the unsuspecting hero. White had three major pass breakups, and only three yards allowed in coverage, against the Jaguars. White forced the interception, tipping the ball to Cole Bishop, that sealed the Wild Card win for the Bills.
It was a veteran performance from Buffalo's own heart and soul. White will have another chance to play in the Divisional round. Slay will not.